Whether the players say so or not, a UMass football game at Gillette will be really cool

Associated PressMassachusetts tailback Jonathan Hernandez (22), who had a strong game at Michigan, says Saturday's game against New Hampshire at Gillette Stadium is just another game against a key opponent.

"Our field (at Brockton) holds about 15,000, but our biggest crowd was about 8,000,'' Thellen said.

"Playing at Michigan was a great experience, but I think it will be more exciting, playing at Gillette. It's closer to home, plus I'm a big Pats fan.''

Ah, Michigan. There will not be 110,187 people Saturday, as there were when UMass was in Ann Arbor Sept. 18.

In fact, it's a mystery how many will show up. Judging from early sales, the crowd looks sure to surpass the 23,454 who saw the UMass 2006 NCAA semifinal at Montana, a school record for a game against another Division I-AA team.

Morris thinks a crowd of more than 30,000 is very possible. But however many seats are filled, it will still be UMass in an NFL venue.

Totally cool.

"You couldn't ask for a better rivalry game, and in Foxborough,'' Morris said. "For us it's a thrill. We're excited.''